Disinfecting Tools, Equipment, Pots, Flats and Benches
Gary W. Moorman, Professor of Plant Pathology
Prewash tools, benches, and equipment to remove soil and plant debris because disinfestants do not penetrate these well. Then disinfest as noted below. Rest clean tools in a bucket of disinfestant or on clean newspaper or plastic sheeting or in an empty, clean container. Or, hang them up so that they do not become contaminated with soil or plant debris. Do not walk on greenhouse potting soil, benches, or on equipment that must be kept free of soilborne plant pathogens unless your shoes have been dipped in disinfestant or are wrapped in clean plastic. Pots, flats or other containers which are used year after year can be disinfested along with potting soil by placing them under the cover used to seal in the fumigant if they are of a material compatible with the fumigant (for example, steam for wood, clay; methyl bromide for plastic, wood, clay). Containers can be submerged in a liquid disinfectant for 10 minutes and then allowed to air dry.
When using pruning tools, disinfestant can be carried in a squeeze, spray or mist bottle. Thoroughly wet the cutting surfaces with the disinfestant and allow the tool to drain and air dry. If sap or resin builds up on the tool, scrub this off with a rag that is kept in the disinfestant. Then dip, pour, or spray more disinfestant onto the tool. Let it drain and air dry or let it soak in the disinfestant for 10 minutes. When pruning specifically to remove diseased plant parts, it is best to alternately use 2 tools so that one can soak in disinfestant while the second is in use.
| MATERIAL | APPLICATION | TARGET PESTS |
|---|---|---|
| STEAM or DRY HEAT | Heat materials to 180-200 °F for 30 min. under a cover to contain the heat | Bacteria, Fungi, Insects, Nematodes, Weeds |
| 70% ALCOHOL (grain, rubbing, or wood alcohol) |
Dip or swab the object and let dry. Do not rinse. | Bacteria, Fungi, Nematodes |
| SODIUM HYPOCHLORITE (Clorox* EPA reg. no. 5813-50) | Mix 1 gal. in 9 gal. of water. Dip, spray, or brush on and let drain. Rinse metal objects to prevent corrosion. | Bacteria, Fungi, Nematodes |
| HYDRODEN DIOXIDE (ZeroTol* EPA reg. no. 70299-1, TerraClean* EPA reg. no 70299-5) |
Mix as directed by the label. Dip, spray, or brush on or soak tool. Rinsing is not required to prevent corrosion of metal. | Bacteria, Fungi, Nematodes |
| QUATERNARY AMMONIUM (Green-Shield* EPA reg. no. 499-368; Physan*) | Wash floors, benches, cutting knives and other impervious surfaces. | |
| *Trade Name |
DISCLAIMER
Notice: The user of this information assumes all risks for personal injury or property damage.
Warning! Pesticides are poisonous. Read and follow all directions and safety precautions on labels. Handle carefully and store in original labeled containers out of the reach of children, pets, and livestock. Dispose of empty containers right away, in a safe manner and place. Do not contaminate forage, streams or ponds.
Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of Congress, May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U. S. Department of Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences research and extension programs are funded in part by Pennsylvania counties, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Visit Penn State Extension on the web at extension.psu.edu.
Where trade names appear, no discrimination is intended, and no endorsement by Penn State Cooperative Extension is implied.
This publication is available in alternative media on request.
The Pennsylvania State University is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to programs, facilities, admission, and employment without regard to personal characteristics not related to ability, performance, or qualifications as determined by University policy or by state or federal authorities. It is the policy of the University to maintain an academic and work environment free of discrimination, including harassment. The Pennsylvania State University prohibits discrimination and harassment against any person because of age, ancestry, color, disability or handicap, national origin, race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status. Discrimination or harassment against faculty, staff, or students will not be tolerated at The Pennsylvania State University. Direct all inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy to the Affirmative Action Director, The Pennsylvania State University, 328 Boucke Building, University Park, PA 16802-5901; Tel 814-865-4700/V, 814-863-1150/TTY.
